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When Lea Buss isn't painting, her partner, Steve Farver, likely is. Farver owns the building that houses Lea B's Creations, which has been in his family since 1959. Farver ran an electric shop and appliance store from the building — his appliance dealership once was the last "mom-andpop"-owned Frigidaire dealer in the nation. These days, Farver helps out Buss and creates and paints custom woodwork at the shop. The two above now adorn the Ashton Village Hall, painted in Ashton High School Aces green and white (inset).

Buss likes to see the untapped potential in things — like old ladders turned into home decor and shelving — and she’s seen those pieces live up to their potential as customers stop and shop or find items on her Facebook page. In the six years she’s been in business in Ashton, she’s sold about 400 pieces.

“I will start out thinking that this was a cute piece of furniture, and I’ll just see how it goes,” Buss said. “I’d put it up on Facebook — ‘Look at what I did!’ — and right away people wanted to know whether it was for sale. Sure, I didn’t have a need for it, then I put a price on it and out the door it went. It didn’t matter if it was a bookcase, a dresser, a desk, it would go.”

Old ladders find a new use in the hands of Lea Buss — a place to put baskets or a shelf for knickknacks.

In addition to furniture, Lea B’s carries a variety of home decor, too, which Fred the Flamingo keeps an eye on. “He’s our mascot,” owner Lea Buss said.

Lea ‘B’s Creations, 816 Main St. in Ashton, is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, or other days by chance or appointment. Find Lea B’s Creations Furniture on Facebook, email leabs creations@yahoo.com or call 815751-2220 to arrange a visit or project, or for more information.

Farver often helps Buss with her projects, especially ones that need more substantial repairs. He operated an electric shop and appliance store in the building until retiring recently, and continues to make custom wood signs on the side. He and Buss will often share paint for their projects.

“We have a lot of fun,” Farver said. “Most of the week I’m here and she’s gone, so our Saturdays together can be a lot of fun.”

“He’s done some incredible stuff that we’ve done out of here,” Buss added.

With a supply of inventory that’ll go as far as the road stretches, there’s no shortage of “curb alerts” for Buss and Farver to pull over for. Some pieces even have interesting backstories: One day, Buss was approached about a project involving an old 10-foot-long countertop and cabinet from the former Market Basket grocery store in Rochelle (which was in business from 1958 to 1989). Buss refinished it and painted the base white, and now it’s used at the Pickin Station antique store, also in Rochelle.

The thrill of the hunt, the satisfaction of jobs well done, and the feedback she gets from customers keeps Buss going, with Farver at her side.

“I like getting to know the people who come in, and like having repeat customers coming in,” Buss said. “The people make this. I wouldn’t be where I’m at without them coming in. It’s been good. It’s been a lot of fun.” n